Kia previews next-gen Telluride SUV as ‘new benchmark’ for brand
DETROIT – Kia on Monday previewed its next-generation Telluride SUV that the company is describing as a “new benchmark for the brand’s design and ambition.”
The first-generation Telluride has been a standout success for the South Korean car brand since it launched in 2019, at many times ranking as one of the most highly in-demand vehicles in the U.S., based on inventory levels. It’s a crucial vehicle for the company in the U.S.
Kia said the 2027 Telluride, which is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms during the first quarter, has a larger, boxier and more modern design overall compared with the current model.
The new front end features a large front grille encompassed by vertical headlamps, while the rear of the vehicle features a sleek design and silhouette reminiscent of a Range Rover.
The company on Monday released images of a Telluride X-Pro model ahead of the three-row midsize SUV’s official debut later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where more trims and details of the vehicle will be released.
Sales of the Telluride have increased every year since its launch in 2019, with Kia selling more than 444,000 units in total, according to the company. The vehicle’s sales are up 11% year to date through October, according to Kia.
Kia offers the current Telluride in 10 trim levels, with starting pricing between $36,000 and $54,000.
A new version of the Hyundai Palisade, which is a sibling vehicle to the Kia Telluride, was released earlier this year and starts between $39,000 and $55,000, depending on trim.
